Introduction:Library 2.0[1] is based on the Web 2.0[2] idea, but applied and related to the library environment. It encourages participation and interaction by the user with the library in an internet environment. However, Library 2.0 is fundamentally about a change in how library services are offered to patrons. This report is intended as an information document. It will briefly explain what Library 2.0 is, as well as provide a ‘real-life’ scenario that illustrates how Library 2.0/Web 2.0 could apply to a library patron on a daily basis.
Many people are already using Web 2.0 items, like blogs, wikis, RSS feeds and podcasts. What Library 2.0 does is create specific applications (or mold existing Web 2.0 ones) that are related to library resources and services. An example of this could be a library setting up an RSS (automatic information feed) service for latest news (as the University of Otago Library has done)[3]. Offering podcasts of library instruction (or audio-guided tours of the library) could be another example. The selective dissemination of information (SDIs) service that is already available in some integrated library systems could also be considered a Library 2.0 tool Below is a list of items that are considered as part of the Library 2.0/Web 2.0 family:* RSS feeds* Wikis* Blogs and blogging* Personalization and “My Profile” features* Podcasting and MP3 files* Streaming media audio and video formats* Personalized alerts* Instant messaging and virtual reference including co-browsing.* Folksonomies, tagging and tag clouds* Photos (e.g. Flickr, Picasa)* Social networking software – Bebo* Socially driven.
I will discuss on the comparative aspects of Web.2.0 and Library2.0 later on.
